Amanda Rivas
Pearland
Summary
Dynamic compliance professional with a proven track record in managing and implementing regulatory compliance programs, consistently driving initiatives that enhance compliance frameworks and mitigate risks. Recognized for exceptional adaptability to evolving regulatory environments and a collaborative approach that fosters teamwork and accountability. Expertise in policy development, regulatory analysis, and risk management ensures operational integrity and excellence. Committed to achieving impactful outcomes through a strong work ethic, quick mastery of new skills, and a focus on delivering results in high-pressure situations.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Pre-K Teacher
Houston ISD
Houston, TX
08.2025 - 06.2026
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans to promote early childhood learning.
- Fostered a positive classroom environment through effective behavior management strategies.
- Collaborated with parents and caregivers to support student development and address concerns.
- Integrated technology into curriculum, enhancing interactive learning experiences for students.
- Led professional development workshops focused on innovative teaching strategies and classroom management.
- Promoted social-emotional development with interactive lessons on empathy, conflict resolution, and self-regulation techniques.
- Monitored students' academic, social, and emotional progress and recorded in individual files.
- Improved student literacy skills by incorporating daily read-alouds, guided reading groups, and independent reading time.
- Enhanced classroom environment by creating visually appealing bulletin boards and displays, promoting a positive learning atmosphere.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary units, fostering a holistic approach to education.
- Assisted and supervised 20 children through entire school day.
- Supported students in developing self-esteem and self-confidence.
- Protected children in-class, at recess and off-site with observational skills and positive reinforcement for good behavior.
Special Education Teacher K-2
Alvin ISD
Alvin, TX
08.2023 - 08.2025
- Facilitated daily support for a deaf/blind student within the educational team framework.
- Applied IEP modifications and instructional techniques from related service professionals.
- Demonstrated proficiency in adapting communication methods and academic strategies.
- Produced necessary instructional materials to aid comprehension.
- Provided home instruction per IEP committee recommendations.
- Engaged in IEP preparation, assessment, and behavior planning processes.
Special Education Department Chair
Thurgood Marshall Elementary School
Houston, TX
08.2021 - 08.2023
- Demonstrate professional leadership within the department.
- Conduct regular monthly department meetings.
- Act as the person to coordinate services and transition with feeder schools.
- Assist teachers in the department in performing their teaching and related duties.
- Oversee the Team Meeting process and adherence to Individual Education Plans based on eligibility guidelines and in accordance with Federal and State requirements; responsible for seeing that all timelines are met and all required paperwork is completed.
- Recognize that student learning must be the focus of all school programs and activities.
- Model effective instruction; provide on-going technical assistance; assist in strengthening lesson plans.
- Assist substitute teachers.
- Work cooperatively with the site administrator and Director of Special Education in the preparation of departmental assignments and schedules.
- Meet regularly with para educators to facilitate their success regarding assigned student and classroom duties.
- Maintain accountability for department expenditures, materials, and supplies.
- Provide leadership in articulation with other departments and schools.
- Coordinate special education services for the school.
- Ensure a sequential development of the department curriculum including the implementation and alignment of academic standards.
- Assist with course curriculum maps and end of course assessments for each subject taught within the department.
- Be responsible for the care and maintenance of department equipment; complete an annual inventory of the department's non-expendable equipment.
- Encourage professional growth among department staff.
Special Education Teacher Lifeskills
Thurgood Marshall Elementary School
Houston, TX
08.2019 - 08.2023
- Primary responsibility - provided direct support to a deaf/blind student during all or part of a school day as part of an educational team, and as indicated by the student's IEP.
- Implemented the student's IEP, modifications and instructional techniques recommended by related service staff.
- Proficient in student's communication methods and Academic strategies.
- Created instructional materials as needed.
- Visited and/or provided instruction in the student's home as deemed appropriate by the IEP committee.
- Participated in student's IEP preparation and assessment with behavior plan and overall student planning program.
Paraprofessional
Mary Burks Marek Elementary Alvin ISD
Pearland, TX
08.2013 - 01.2019
- Technology 4th & 5th/SPED :
- Computer class 4th/5th grade; Supported and supervised the students during specials while they worked on Math/ELA/Reading
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Industrial Design
Alvin Community College
Alvin, TX12-2012
Bachelor of Arts - Art, Minor in Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Stephen F. Austin State University
Nacogdoches, TX05-2010
Associate of Arts - Art
Alvin Community College
Alvin, TX08-2007
Associate of Arts - General Studies
Alvin Community College
Alvin, TX08-2007
Skills
- Data handling
- Organization
- Multitasking
- Communication
- Team player
- Technology
- Windows
- Mac/Apple
- Web-based
- Motivating
- Classroom Management
- Responsible
- Scheduling
- Instructional design
- IEP implementation
- IEP and BIP implementation
- Trained in CPI
- Adobe creative suite
- CAD software
- AutoCAD
- Digital media
- Mechanical design
- Microsoft office
- Computer skills
- Curriculum planning
- Patience and empathy
- Early childhood education
- Progress reporting
- Fine motor skills
- Motor skill development
- Special needs support
- Lesson planning
- Elementary education
- Special education
- Positive reinforcement
Certification
- Art EC-12
- Special education EC-12
- Core EC-6
- ABA- RethinkED
- ARD committee manager training
TRAINING
- CPI
- Understanding the ARD Process
- Testing Accommodations
- Behavior - Why they do it and what to do about it
- Introduction to Autism for General Education Teachers
- Building Champions
- Winning Circle
- TEA: ARD committee manager training
- ABA (rethink)
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Pre-K Teacher
Houston ISD
08.2025 - 06.2026
Special Education Teacher K-2
Alvin ISD
08.2023 - 08.2025
Special Education Department Chair
Thurgood Marshall Elementary School
08.2021 - 08.2023
Special Education Teacher Lifeskills
Thurgood Marshall Elementary School
08.2019 - 08.2023
Paraprofessional
Mary Burks Marek Elementary Alvin ISD
08.2013 - 01.2019
Bachelor of Arts - Art, Minor in Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Stephen F. Austin State University
Associate of Arts - Art
Alvin Community College
Associate of Arts - General Studies
Alvin Community College
Associate of Applied Science - Industrial Design
Alvin Community College